U.S. flag An official website of the United States government
  1. Home
  2. Drug Databases
  3. Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes

Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC)

Get Email Alerts | Guide

SAVELLA (NDA-022256)

(MILNACIPRAN HYDROCHLORIDE)

Safety-related Labeling Changes Approved by FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER)

Download Data

Expand all

08/18/2023 (SUPPL-28)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.2 Serotonin Syndrome

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), including SAVELLA, can precipitate serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. The risk is increased with concomitant use of other serotonergic drugs (including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, tramadol, meperidine, methadone, lithium, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, and St. John’s Wort) and with drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin i.e., MAOIs [see Contraindications (4), Drug Interactions (7)]. Serotonin syndrome can also occur when these drugs are used alone.

5.9 Increased Risk of Bleeding

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake, including SAVELLA, may increase the risk of bleeding events. Concomitant use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), warfarin, and other anticoagulants may add to this risk. Case reports and epidemiological studies (case-control and cohort design) have demonstrated an association between use of drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake and the occurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding. Based on data from published observational studies, exposure to SSRIs, particularly in the month before delivery, has been associated with a less than 2-fold increase in the risk of postpartum hemorrhage [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Bleeding events related to SSRIs and SNRIs have ranged from ecchymosis, hematoma, epistaxis, and petechiae to life-threatening hemorrhages.

Inform patients about the increased risk of bleeding associated with the concomitant use of SAVELLA and NSAIDs, aspirin, or other drugs that affect coagulation [see Drug Interactions (7.7)].

6 Adverse Reactions

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Nervous System Disorders ? anosmia, convulsions (including grand mal), hyposmia, loss of consciousness,

7 Drug Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS

7.1 Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

The concomitant use of SSRIs and SNRIs, including SAVELLA, with MAOIs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. The use of MAOIs intended to treat psychiatric disorders with SAVELLA or within 5 days of stopping treatment with SAVELLA is contraindicated. The use of SAVELLA within 14 days of stopping an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders is also contraindicated. In addition, do not initiate SAVELLA in a patient who is being treated with MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. No reports involved the administration of methylene blue by other routes (such as oral tablets or local tissue injection). If it is necessary to initiate treatment with a MAOI such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue in a patient taking SAVELLA, discontinue SAVELLA before initiating treatment with the MAOI [see Dosage and Administration (2.5, 2.6), Contraindications (4), Drug Interactions (7.1)].

7.2 Serotonergic Drugs

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Serotonin syndrome can occur with use of SAVELLA and other serotonergic drugs (other SNRIs, SSRIs, triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, opioids, lithium, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, and St. John’s Wort), or with drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin (i.e., monoamine oxidase inhibitors). Advise patients of the signs and symptoms associated with serotonin syndrome and to seek medical care immediately if they experience these symptoms [see Dosage and Administration (2.5, 2.6), Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

7.7 Drugs that Interfere with Hemostasis

Newly added section

Concomitant use of SAVELLA with an antiplatelet or anticoagulant drug (e.g., NSAIDs, aspirin, and warfarin) may potentiate the risk of bleeding. This may be due to the effect of SAVELLA on the release of serotonin by platelets. Closely monitor for bleeding for patients receiving an antiplatelet or anticoagulant drug when SAVELLA is initiated or discontinued [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].

8 Use in Specific Populations

8.1 Pregnancy

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Risk Summary

Based on data from published observational studies, exposure to SSRIs, particularly in the month before delivery, has been associated with a less than 2-fold increase in the risk of postpartum hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Clinical Consideration

Maternal adverse reactions

Use of SAVELLA in the month before delivery may be associated with an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].

17 PCI/PI/MG (Patient Counseling Information/Patient Information/Medication Guide)

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Serotonin Syndrome

Inform patients about the risk of serotonin syndrome with use of SAVELLA as well as the increased risk when taken concomitantly with other serotonergic drugs including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, opioids, lithium, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines and St. John’s Wort, and with drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin (in particular MAOIs, both those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Drug Interactions (7.2)].

MEDICATION GUIDE

Newly added information:

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take:

  • triptans used to treat migraine headache

  • medicines used to treat mood, anxiety, psychotic or thought disorders, including tricyclics, lithium, buspirone, SSRIs, SNRIs or MAOIs

  • tramadol, fentanyl, meperidine, methadone, or other opioids

  • amphetamines

  • the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)

  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) (like ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin)

  • over-the-counter supplements such as tryptophan or St. John’s Wort Ask your healthcare provider for a list of these medicines if you are not sure.

09/20/2021 (SUPPL-25)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.12 Sexual Dysfunction

(Newly added subsection)

Use of SNRIs, including Savella, may cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction [see Adverse Reactions (6.1, 6.2)]. In male patients, SNRI use may result in ejaculatory delay or failure, decreased libido, and erectile dysfunction. In female patients, SNRI use may result in decreased libido and delayed or absent orgasm.

It is important for prescribers to inquire about sexual function prior to initiation of Savella and to inquire specifically about changes in sexual function during treatment, because sexual function may not be spontaneously reported. When evaluating changes in sexual function, obtaining a detailed history (including timing of symptom onset) is important because sexual symptoms may have other causes, including the underlying psychiatric disorder. Discuss potential management strategies to support patients in making informed decisions about treatment.

6 Adverse Reactions

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

(Additions and/or revisions underlined)

The following additional adverse reactions have been identified from spontaneous reports of Savella received worldwide. These adverse reactions have been chosen for inclusion because of a combination of seriousness, frequency of reporting, or potential causal connection to Savella. However, because these adverse reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. These events include:

Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders ? leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia Cardiac Disorders ? supraventricular tachycardia, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Eye Disorders ? accommodation disorder Endocrine Disorders ? hyperprolactinemia Gastrointestinal Disorders ? acute pancreatitis Hepatobiliary Disorders ? hepatitis

Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders ? anorexia, hyponatremia Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders ? rhabdomyolysis

Nervous System Disorders ? convulsions (including grand mal), loss of consciousness, Parkinsonism

Psychiatric Disorders ? aggression, anger, delirium, hallucination, homicidal ideation Renal and Urinary Disorders ? acute renal failure

Reproductive System and Breast Disorders ? galactorrhea, decreased libido, delayed or absent orgasm

Skin Disorders ? erythema multiforme, Stevens Johnson syndrome Vascular Disorders ? hypertensive crisis

17 PCI/PI/MG (Patient Counseling Information/Patient Information/Medication Guide)

MEDICATION GUIDE

(Additions and/or revisions underlined)

Sexual problems (dysfunction). Taking serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), including Savella, may cause sexual problems.

Symptoms in males may include

  • Delayed ejaculation or inability to have an ejaculation

  • Decreased sex drive

  • Problems getting or keeping an erection

Symptoms in females may include

  • Decreased sex drive

  • Delayed orgasm or inability to have an orgasm

Talk to your healthcare provider if you develop any changes in your sexual function or if you have any questions or concerns about sexual problems during treatment with Savella. There may be treatments your healthcare provider can suggest.

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

(Additions and/or revisions underlined)

Sexual Dysfunction

Advise patients that use of Savella may cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction in both male and female patients. Inform patients that they should discuss any changes in sexual function and potential management strategies with their healthcare provider [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)].

12/19/2017 (SUPPL-23)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.2 Serotonin Syndrome

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

The development of a potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome has been reported with SNRIs and SSRIs, including Savella, alone but particularly with concomitant use of other serotonergic drugs (including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines

If concomitant use of Savella with other serotonergic drugs including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, buspirone, tryptophan, amphetamines

6 Adverse Reactions

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

…These events include:

Cardiac Disorders - supraventricular tachycardia, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

17 PCI/PI/MG (Patient Counseling Information/Patient Information/Medication Guide)

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

Serotonin Syndrome

Patients should be cautioned about the risk of serotonin syndrome with concomitant use of Savella with other serotonergic drugs including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines

12/30/2016 (SUPPL-22)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.2 Serotonin Syndrome

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

The development of a potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome has been reported with SNRIs and SSRIs, including Savella, alone but particularly with concomitant use of other serotonergic drugs (including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, and St. John’s Wort)…

If concomitant use of Savella with other serotonergic drugs including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, buspirone, tryptophan, amphetamines, and St. John’s Wort is clinically warranted, patients should be made aware of a potential increased risk for serotonin syndrome, particularly during treatment initiation and dose increases.

17 PCI/PI/MG (Patient Counseling Information/Patient Information/Medication Guide)

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

Serotonin Syndrome

Patients should be cautioned about the risk of serotonin syndrome with concomitant use of Savella with other serotonergic drugs including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, and St. John’s Wort, and with drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin (in particular MAOIs, both those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid).

09/06/2016 (SUPPL-21)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

6 Adverse Reactions

Postmarketing Experience

Addition of the following:

  • Gastrointestinal Disorders: acute pancreatitis